Zelensky announced $7.9 billion in defense aid from the U.S. and new sanctions against russia

The United States has announced a new package of defense aid for Ukraine and sanctions against russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared on Telegram on September 26.

"I am grateful to U.S. President Joseph Biden, the U.S. Congress, both parties—Republicans and Democrats—and the entire American people for today's announcement of substantial defense aid to Ukraine totaling $7.9 billion, as well as the imposition of sanctions against russia. On behalf of the Ukrainian people and our brave warriors on the front lines, I thank our closest ally, the United States, for finding a way to allocate the remaining security assistance for Ukraine and ensuring that the President's authority for this aid is not exhausted by the end of the fiscal year in the U.S.", - Zelensky said.

According to him, Ukraine will use this assistance "in the most efficient and transparent way to achieve our main common goal: Ukraine's victory, a just and lasting peace, and transatlantic security".

Zelensky noted that the new package includes an additional Patriot air defense battery, other air defense systems and interceptors, drones, long-range missiles, air-to-ground munitions, and resources to strengthen Ukraine's defense-industrial base.

"I also appreciate the decision to expand programs for training more of our pilots to fly F-16s, as well as the strong sanctions imposed to further restrict russia's ability to finance its aggression against Ukraine", - the Ukrainian President added.

Earlier, it was reported that the U.S. had announced a new $375 million aid package for Ukraine.